Developer guide for Azure China 21Vianet

09/29/2017

3 minutes to read

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Microsoft provides tools to help developers create and deploy cloud applications to the global Microsoft Azure services ("global Azure") and Microsoft Azure operated by 21Vianet (Azure China 21Vianet). Most of the currently available technical content, such as the Azure Documentation Center, assumes that applications are being developed for global Azure, so it’s important to learn which services and features are available in Microsoft Azure China 21Vianet.

When referring to publicly available content for global Azure services, make sure to adapt the steps or customize any sample code that specifies settings for global Azure services. For example, customize the Azure service endpoints.

Migrate existing applications and workloads

Migrating an application or workload hosted elsewhere takes time and planning. To migrate to Microsoft Azure China 21Vianet:

Develop for Azure users

If you’re accustomed to developing cloud services for users in other regions, make sure you consider the following user expectations in China:

Mobile first: Mobile devices, not PCs, are considered the source of the online world. Make sure your design strategy is mobile-centric.

QR codes and screen-scanning behavior: Websites, print ads, business cards, and other media commonly include QR codes. Include QR codes in your website header and footer so visitors can quickly load the site’s mobile version on their phones.

Content localization: Localizing is more than just translating content. Take time to understand the digital environment of your target market and the cultural ramifications of your business decisions, then tailor your content accordingly.

Use social sites and media services in China

Commonly used western social media sites and services may be blocked in China. When operating a web presence in China:

Avoid connecting to Google services on your website’s front end. Google, along with all of its services, is blocked in China. For best results, your site may need to avoid using Google services. For example, replace Google Maps with Baidu Maps, and use self-hosted fonts instead of Google fonts.

Do not embed videos from YouTube or Vimeo. Both services are blocked in China. Host your video locally or on Chinese video hosting sites, such as Youku, Qiyi, Tudou, or use Azure Media Services. Optimize your site for Baidu, the most-frequently used search engine in China, using a search engine optimization (SEO) audit tool.

Create a China-specific social network presence. Globally popular social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are blocked. Create a social marketing strategy specifically tailored for the social networks in China, such as WeChat and Sina Weibo. Azure doesn’t currently offer local social network integration (that is, a social identity provider).

Check endpoints in Azure

Microsoft Azure China 21Vianet differs from global Azure, so any Azure service endpoints from global Azure sources, such sample code or published documentation, must be changed.